Stories from Austin's most beloved park
Stewardship and ecology, history and belonging, tree canopy and policy — the news that shapes Zilker, gathered by the nonprofit that helps care for it.
From the park and the nonprofit
Stories from across the park and the nonprofit
The Final Act: Austin's Bond Election Proposal Heads to Council
On May 4, the Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) wrapped up its final meeting — nearly 18 months of work identifying Austin's most pressing capital improvement needs. Their recomme…
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Protect Zilker Park from CTRMA's MoPac South Expansion
The proposed expansion would cross Zilker Park. Zilker 351 has engaged directly in the mitigation process to secure enforceable protections — and you can add your voice.
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Zilker Park is for the Birds!
Last night, according to Cornell Lab’s Birdcast Migration Dashboard, 2,872,700 birds quietly passed through Travis County as you slept. Most of them traveling from Central or South Americ…
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Our Park, Our Power: Celebrating Earth Day at Zilker Park
Earth Day falls on April 22nd this year, and the global theme — Our Power, Our Planet — couldn't feel more personal for those of us who call Zilker Park home turf.
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Roots Run Deep: Why Wildflowers and Native Grasses Are Central Texas Super Heros
Every spring, Central Texas puts on one of nature's most spectacular shows — roadsides blaze with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and Mexican hat, and meadows ripple with little bluestem…
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Azie Morton and the Fight for Belonging in Zilker Park
In the middle of the Texas heat—where relief came in the form of cold, clear spring water—Barton Springs Pool stood for decades as a contradiction. It was one of the most beautiful public…
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Stewarding Zilker Park: A Labor of Love
I remember the first time I visited the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the lasting impression it left on me. I grew up in a small town in Iowa, AKA “God’s Country”, our home engulfed by a for…
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A look into the New Violet Crown Trail Mile Zero Trailhead and Education Pavilion with George Cofer
As someone who’s been part of Hill Country Conservancy since its earliest days, I’ve had the privilege of watching the Violet Crown Trail grow from an ambitious idea into a true community…
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What Is A Tree Motte, Anyway?
If you’ve ever wandered through woods, you’ve probably seen a tree motte without even realizing it. A motte is simply a cluster of trees that naturally grows together, creating little isl…
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From Then to Now: A Love Letter to Zilker Park
Written by Holly Hawk, Executive Director of Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy
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A few quick notes on what we cover and who we speak for.
Zilker 351 shares stories about park stewardship and ecology, the park's full history and the communities connected to it, tree canopy and native plants, City of Austin bond and policy updates affecting the park, and news from the nonprofit itself.
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The best Zilker stories are the ones we write together. Give, volunteer, or partner with Zilker 351 to help care for the park you love.